New Jersey parents are favoring these baby names — and the No. 1 pick might be a shock

New Jersey parents are favoring these baby names — and the No. 1 pick might be a shock

No Pauly or Francesca on this list. Home of the Jersey Shore, Wawa and Tony Soprano — in 2025, there are specific baby names that are popular in New Jersey, and the top spot for both boys and girls might not be what you would think. Nor are they grandma or grandpa-sounding by any means, … Read more

Words to the wise: Local moms share parenting tips from the frontline

Words to the wise: Local moms share parenting tips from the frontline

If you think you’re doomed for sleep deprivation, spousal bickering and poverty once your precious arrival is here, well, you could be. Or, you could follow the hard-earned wisdom of tri-state parents to make the transition to parenthood a little — or a lot — easier. Riding it out Stephanie Jack, 34, brand marketing director … Read more

Camera ready: How to capture your baby’s best, right from day one

Camera ready: How to capture your baby’s best, right from day one

They don’t stay little forever. To capture those early days, it’s nice to leave it to a professional. Or, at least get insights from one. For a first moments snap of your newborn, Bella Baby Photography offers a complimentary in-hospital session to families throughout the New York City area, with options for purchase starting at … Read more

Formula for success: Breastfeeding tips from an expert

Formula for success: Breastfeeding tips from an expert

You gave birth. Hooray! Now onto the next worry: breastfeeding. To help new moms, Paula J. Norcott, International Board of Lactation Consultant and co-founder of Maine Mother in Brunswick, Maine, recently partnered with breast pump company BabyBuddha to become its first “pumpologist,” where she’ll assist women with breastfeeding challenges. As someone who has been working … Read more

A new baby brings a time of great change — and self-care is essential

A new baby brings a time of great change — and self-care is essential

There’s nothing like a mother’s love —widely considered primal, unconditional, selfless, even automatic. But what’s less understood and often underappreciated are the changes, sacrifices, demands, and commitment expected of new moms. After the excitement of the baby shower and a newborn’s arrival fades, ongoing support, empathy, and self-love are crucial throughout this transition into the … Read more

Baby blues? Dads can suffer from postpartum depression, too

Baby blues? Dads can suffer from postpartum depression, too

Your father might not have been comfortable talking about his feelings, but these days, more men, and particularly new fathers, are fessing up to being sad dads. Postpartum depression — a severe and long-lasting mood disorder affecting new parents — is self-reported in approximately 12% to 16% of US women, according to the Centers for … Read more

These winning accessories can help ease your new baby into sleep

These winning accessories can help ease your new baby into sleep

Establishing a relaxing bedtime routine is key to ensuring peace of mind for both parents and baby. It may not guarantee you a full night of sleep but it will help you survive the witching hours and deepen the connection with your baby. Sarah Ezrin, author, yoga educator and maternal mental health advocate, suggested bathing … Read more

Get your village: New parents can lean into these local services

Get your village: New parents can lean into these local services

From the moment you find out you’re expecting, there’s a lot of excitement. But there’s also a lot of: “How are we going to do it?” You may live in a concrete jungle or its periphery, but you don’t need to go at it alone. In fact, from postpartum meal delivery services (check out Brooklyn-based … Read more

No spare room for a nursery? How to maximize a small nook or cranny

No spare room for a nursery? How to maximize a small nook or cranny

Emily Motayed Lancaster knows personally and professionally how important maximizing nursery space is. “The minute you get pregnant, the temptation to start buying ‘stuff’ kicks in,” said Lancaster, a mother of two and co-founder of Nurture&. But, “the reality is that babies start out very small and don’t need very much.” The essentials are a … Read more